What are Nutrient Facts?
Nutrient facts are a standardized way of labeling food so that consumers can compare different brands and products. Nutrient facts are found on most food packages and provide information about the calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals in the food.
How to Read Nutrient Facts
The nutrient facts label is divided into two parts: the serving size and the nutrient list. The serving size is the amount of food that is considered to be one serving. The nutrient list shows the amount of each nutrient in one serving.
Tips for Making Informed Food Choices
When reading nutrient facts, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Pay attention to the serving size. The nutrient amounts listed on the label are for one serving, so it is important to adjust the numbers if you eat more or less than one serving.
- Look at the calories. Calories are a measure of energy. If you are trying to lose weight, you will want to choose foods that are lower in calories.
- Limit saturated and trans fats. These types of fats can raise your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
- Choose foods that are high in fiber. Fiber helps you feel full and can help lower your cholesterol levels.
- Limit added sugars. Added sugars are often found in processed foods and can contribute to weight gain.
- Choose foods that are high in vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals are essential for good health.